Rejuvenate yourself with pampering

Apr. 1, 2015 2:20 AM
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Written by

Sheila Baker Shedd

For Pacific Daily News

Life can get pretty hectic these days. On top of long hours at the office and a packed schedule of daily errands, there are the ever-present demands of a home filled with family and friends.

We live in a fast-paced world, where dealing with tension has become part of our normal routine. That's why I think it's important to remember small acts of self-caring. Stress can pile up and eventually take a physical and emotional toll on us.

I've found that a little pampering, with a mani-pedi, is the perfect way to indulge yourself without breaking the bank. It rejuvenates your entire body and gives your spirits a lift. So, practicing a little self-care ritual last week, I found myself skipping lunch in favor of a quick color change for my nails at my favorite salon, Polished Nails owned by my long-time manicurist, Minda.

I sat in relaxed, personal indulgence, letting the stress of the day slip away. From the corner of my eye, I spied an elderly lady awaiting her turn. I casually glanced at my watch. It was 1:11 p.m. I smiled to myself.

Signs

You see, a few weeks ago, I wrote about angels and how to become more aware of their presence in our lives. For me, observing a repeating number sequence, like 1:11 has a meaning. Typically, ones repeated signal that whatever you're thinking about is in the process of becoming.

I have found that such repeated numbers are not causal or random, but a sign from my angels that something inspiring is about to happen. Inspiration makes things move. It makes life, and is a positive driver for exceptional living ahead of the curve. I think inspiration makes things move in a positive and fulfilling way.

Finding inspiration is much easier than finding the motivation to get through those hectic days. I was about to be re-energized.

It wasn't very long after I had glanced down at my watch that the elderly woman, sitting ever so patiently awaiting her turn to be pampered, began to chat me up. She politely asked my name, and inquired about my profession. It was when I asked about her that I realized I had the delightful pleasure of meeting the Tita of Tita's Guyurias fame.

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Inspired

Mariquita "Tita" Leon Guerrero has mastered the island cookie recipe traditionally passed down from generation to generation. Guyurias are the time-honored Chamorro "jawbreaker" cookies, well-known for their historically rock-hard texture. The cookie is made with flour, coconut milk, and a sugar glaze. Today, Tita's Guyurias provide a taste of the island to people around the world.

The energetic 77-year-old business maven remains involved in her business on a daily basis -- and also finds time for a little self care, routinely coming in for a mani-pedi.

We chatted like old friends and she recounted tales of her business adventures, how she kept things going forward, and the hurdles she had to clear in order to export her delicious cookies to Japan. This impressive woman reminded me of my own grandparents, Narcissa and Jackson, who like the cookie maven, had a work ethic seldom found these days.

Too quickly, my nail service was done. But I lingered, chatting with my new inspirational friend as she finished. With her nails completed, Tita grabbed her walking cane and together we exited the salon. On the way out she admired my shoes.

"Wow!" she exclaimed. "I wish I could still wear shoes like that," she said about my three inch, closed-toe heels.

I said, "Put one on and let's dance at Kento's on Fridays!" We shared an easy laugh before heading our separate ways.

I slid into my car, no longer stressed by a hectic day. Instead, I was refreshed and re-invigorated. I was inspired to do more and to share this inspiration with my own daughter, Erica -- another woman with entrepreneurial dreams.

My encounter with Tita at the nail salon, encouraged me to take steps to awaken inspirational qualities in myself and hopefully be an inspiration to other young ladies.